Dynamic Cell Modeling of Li-Ion Polymer Batteries for Precise SOC Estimation in Power-Needy Autonomous Electric Vehicles

This paper presents findings on dynamic cell modeling for state-of-charge (SOC) estimation in an autonomous electric vehicle (AEV). The studied cells are Lithium-Ion Polymer-based with a nominal capacity of around 8Ah, optimized for power-needy applications. The AEV operates in a harsh environment with rate requirements up to +/-25C and highly dynamic rate profiles, unlike portable-electronic applications with constant power output and fractional C rates. SOC estimation methods effective in portable electronics may not suffice for the AEV. Accurate SOC estimation necessitates a precise cell model. The proposed SOC estimation method utilizes a detailed Kalman-filtering approach. The cell model must include SOC as a state in the model state vector. Multiple cell models are presented, starting with a simple one employing "Coulomb counting" as the state equation and Shepherd's rule as the output equation, lacking prediction of cell relaxation dynamics. An improved model incorporates filter states to account for relaxation and other dynamics in closed-circuit cell voltage, yielding better performance. The best overall results are achieved with a method combining nonlinear autoregressive filtering and dynamic radial basis function networks. The paper includes lab test results comparing physical cells with model predictions. The most accurate models obtained have an RMS estimation error lower than the quantization noise floor expected in the battery-management-system design. Importantly, these models enable precise SOC estimation, allowing the vehicle controller to utilize the battery pack's full operating range without overcharging or undercharging concerns.